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This first Christmas is a lot like some of our Christmases today. Chaotic. We travel great distances only to arrive at a place with more people than beds. The trip for Mary and Joseph took place when families had to return to their home town for a census and it got a little crowded. As the story goes, Mary was expecting a baby and there was no room for them. But in the midst of the chaos, someone offered them a place to stay out of kindness. The gesture must have seemed so small and insignificant at the time, but look at the impact it has made thousands of years later. Matthew Barnett elaborates on small acts of kindness and the difference they make.

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Consider for a moment that we are looking at the birth of a prophesied King. A King above kings, Lord above lords. What would you expect out of this story? You expect feasts, luxurious goods, crowds of people to celebrate. But no feasts are mentioned. Jesus is born in a manger lined with hay. His family is in the presence of animals. What we do see is a story that is so unique and humbling. And it is all embodied by one act of kindness that has been echoed for years. God had a creative way of using someone’s kindness to change a regular situation into something incredible. You never know when that one small thing you do out of kindness will affect someone, or in this case everyone, so greatly.

Apply

  • Remember a time when someone did something for you. What did it mean to you and how did it affect your life?
  • What are some opportunities for you to offer a small act of kindness to someone?
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Making Your Life Count Radio

Luke 2:6-7

And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

John 6:9-12

“There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.”

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View on The Bible App

To find Journey To A Manger on The Bible App you can try the following link
The Bible App Direct Link
or use the search phrase MYLC Manger in the Search Box of the App.

As a separate system, we cannot integrate The Bible App directly into our website. But if you use the MYLC+ option in the player, we will be able to track your progress.